11 posts from September 2014

September 30, 2014

Estee Lauder's new Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II ($65 at Nordstrom) is one of the best eye serums I have used in a long time. I purchased it at the Estee Lauder counter at Bloomingdales in early August and haven't stopped using it since. The serum comes in a handy pump bottle which makes it easy to dispense. I usually use one pump on my 4th finger, rub my two 4th fingers together and then gently tap under my eye. I use my regular eye cream over it (currently Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Cream). I'm in love with serums overall for my face so I knew an eye serum would only bring out the best in the skin around my eyes. I really love how this serum absorbs into my skin and hydrates it immediately as well as helps combat the puffiness and occasional dark circles.

The powder foundation comes in a variety of 13 shades. My shade is Deauville, a light with a neutral balance of pink and yellow undertones which has matched perfectly with my skin! The foundation is medium buildable and the coverage lasts me all day. I like to just use the sponge dry which has given me a beautiful even skin tone, perfect for the day.

September 22, 2014

My favorite department store in the world is the Galeries Lafayette in Paris. I first stepped inside the grand department store back in 1997, my first trip to Paris and I've been shopping there every since. In fact, many of the things I have bought at the store over the years are still in my wardrobe today. This August, I was lucky enough to have a private tour and given access to take photos inside. I was also lucky to be able to experience Galerie Lafayette's personal shopping service.

What I love the best about Galerie Lafayette is that there are so many different brands under one roof (a very big roof!). Not only can you shop expensive luxury goods from Chanel to Louis Vuitton, you can also shop for midrange to inexpensive brands such as Topshop. I love walking through the beauty department that sits oh so dazzlingly under the neo-byzantine dome built in 1912. All the lipsticks and perfumes, smell all the more sweeter here of course. And unlike most stores, shopping abroad is best because it's tax free and you can choose to get your tax refund (12%) via cash back or credit. Learn more about the tax free details.

My fantastic tour guide was Indré (pictured right) who gave me such an amazing detail about the history of Galeries Lafayette. While we were under the dome, Indré showed me the art installation by Phillippe Ramette that was up from July to the end of August, titled "Eloge de la contemplation (le temps suspendu)" which means place of contemplation (suspended time). Galeries Lafayette holds art dear to its heart so it's no surprise that they showcase different artists and exhibits throughout the year in the store.

Galeries Lafayette's art gallery is on the main floor and is called the Galiere des Galieres. This year the Galerie des Galeries invites the photographer Philippe Jarrigeon to exhibit his work. With "Grand Magasin" (means department store) he has created a series of images inspired by this place and people’s experiences of it. (From September 23 to November 14, 2014.)

Every August, there is some sort of installation exhibit on the 4th floor. This summer it was the L'Excellence a la Française which showcased all the famous French brands and what region of France they came from.

If you spend most of the day shopping in here (which we pretty much did), you can dine at many of the great restaurants inside. We chose Angelina, of course.

After all these years of going to Paris, I had no idea that there was a rooftop with the most amazing view of the city! You could turn around 365 degrees and see everything from the Eiffel Tower to the Sacré Cœur. You definitely won't want to miss this gorgeous view where you can also sit and take a break. I loved that it wasn't crowded up on the rooftop at all so you could really enjoy the breathtaking view.

September 18, 2014

While I was in Copenhagen and Paris last month, I couldn't help but notice that some of the most stylish ladies were carrying handbags adorned with fringe. The fringed bags I saw were small and looked oh so chic whether it was a crossbody bag or a small clutch. The smaller sized bags worked well showcasing the beautiful fringe without overpowering the gal who was wearing it. Coach's new Creative Director Stuart Vevers had the right vision with the Coach DAKOTAH Small Fringe Flap Crossbody ($725 at Coach). I adore the chain detail and the rich leather look.

September 16, 2014

I went into Sephora looking for a brush cleaner and the sales associate there recommended the beautyblender cleanser solid. It was right next to the pink stacks of beautyblender ($19.95) sponges so I just had to ask her more about them. She gave me a great demo about the small sponge and how they have given her a flawless look for her skin. Although I had already splurged on a Giorgio Armani foundation brush a week earlier, I just couldn't resist this little pink sponge. (It's hard to resist anything at Sephora, right?)

The sales woman was right. I couldn't believe I had never used this before. It's a perfect sponge to apply foundation and it's special tear drop shape helps you get into the corners around your nose and under the eye. To use, just wet the beautyblender with water and squeeze out the excess. Then use it to apply your primer, foundation, cream blush or whatever you want! Bounce it on your skin for flawless results. You won't need to use a lot of product and it will apply much more perfectly on your face. So there's already a reason to get one -- it will save you from using too much of your products!

The beautyblender blendercleanser solid ($15.95) is solid and it was my first time using a non-liquid cleanser for my brushes. I wasn't sure if this was going to work. It turned out to be so easy to use and cleaned my beautyblender as well as all of my makeup brushes perfectly. I really like how clean it gets everything and keeps them in great condition, much more than the Mac brush cleanser I was using before for many years. The solid size comes in a small plastic container making it perfect for travel too!

You can also pick up a special beautyblender set that includes the solid cleanser for just $25 at Sephora.

Radical Skincare was founded by sisters Liz and Rachel Edlich. Their father was a plastic surgeon who specialized in treating burn patients. I had a chance to meet Rachel Edlich a couple of weeks ago at Saks in San Francisco where they will now carry the line. (You can also pick up Radical Skincare in SF at Space NK inside Bloomingdales.) It was great to talk to her about how the skin changes not only as you age, but after giving birth. Rachel had severe rosacea (pics here) after her second child and was taking too much medication while Liz was battling wrinkles. Liz and Rachel decided to work together to create an anti-aging formula that had great ingredients and that actually worked. Their products contain 10 antioxidants in one bottle which is unheard of. Rachel explains that through their Trylacel technology they can keep the antioxidant potency within the cream to deliver maximum benefits to your skin. Seeing Rachel in person and how fantastic her skin looked blew me away. Never would I have guessed that she had rosacea.

While on my trip to Europe in August, I skipped bringing my bottle of Radical Skincare serum to keep things less bulky for my travel toiletry bag. Big mistake! It wasn't until I came back home and went back to my routine with the serum, that I felt my skin go back to being hydrated and taut.

The Instant Revitalizing Mask ($65) that Rachel introduced me to is my new favorite product from their line. It's amazing because you can feel the product foam and bubble on your face. In fact, the bubbles work more in places you need them the most. (See video.) Probably the most fun I've ever had with a face mask!

September 11, 2014

No longer for just for running or workouts, sneakers are now moving into high fashion. After years of sky high stilettos making waves, it's nice to come back to ground. As NY Fashion Week is underway, I'm seeing more sneakers pop up on the runway such as DKNY above.

September 08, 2014

The new Clarins Fall 2014 Beauty collection is wonderfully named the Ladylike Collection. The collection features lots of pretty new pieces, but the heart of the collection speaks wonders about the eyes. I'm loving the new new cream to powder matte eyeshadows, the brow kit and the 3 dot liner in brown. Trust me, your eyes will be the statement feature this fall!

The Clarins Kit Sourcils Pro ($38) is a brow kit so compact you won't believe it has everything you need to groom perfect brows. The kit contains mini tweezers, brow brush, 3 eyebrow powders, setting wax and pink eyeshadow to highlight your brows. I took this on my recent trip to Europe and it fit so perfectly in my makeup bag. I love the shades that help fill in my brows too! (See how to apply.)

The new Clarins 3-Dot Liner ($26) in brown has become my everyday liner. I can actually fill in the spaces in between my lashes at the lash line so my lashes look fuller. It's my favorite liner ever! I need this in black now. This is limited edition so pick up a couple if you can before they are sold out.

Also new are the Clarins Ombre Matte Eyeshadows ($24) which are a long lasting cream to powder formula. It comes in 6 neutral taupe to brown shades, including one delicious sparkle grey that just looks amazing. I have 3 of the shades: #02 Nude Pink, #03 Taupe and #04 Rosewood. These colors are perfect for everyday and work. I have used my eyeshadow brushes but I honestly love using my fingers to dab in the color, especially the nude pink color that looks great all over my lid. I

With eyes taking the front seat, lips get soft. I love the 5 new shades of Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipsticks ($27). They are anti-aging lipsticks with a Nutri-Youth complex (a Clarins only ingredient) that helps create fuller and younger looking lips. I have it in 3 of the shades - #16 Candy Rose (pale pink), #17 Pink Magnolia (rosewood), #18 Strawberry Sorbet (berry). There is also a #19 Chestnut Brown and #20 Red Fuchsia, a fabulous deep red for a bold look. For everyday lipstick, I've been alternating between Pink Magnolia (such a fabulous mauve tone neutral) and pale pink fabulousness of Candy Rose. Plus the soft, fruity smell is addictive!

I've also been testing out the new Clarins Extra-Comfort Foundation, an anti-aging foundation which launches in October (top right cream in photo at top). Look for that review coming up soon!

Chronicle Books has been one of my favorites for almost all kinds of books but especially craft books. Every month, they slash the price on a special selection of ebooks for Chronicle Eye Candy and this month it's all about crafts. Pick up these beautiful craft books filled with fun DIY Projetcs. The eBooks that range in price from $1.99 to $3.99!

September 04, 2014

Are you cozying up to the idea of fall yet? With summer behind, I'm loving the new scent Jo Malone London's Wood Sage & Sea Salt. The fragrance is so soft and inviting, I can't stop smelling my wrist whenever I put it on! It's a fresh scent like you spent the day by the ocean. It's not as woody as other scents, I can only describe it as soft and feminine. Since there are no strong floral or fruity notes, you can also experiment with mixing it along with your other Jo Malone London fragrances. I like to use the Body Créme when I am out of the shower so the smell really gives me a fabulous wake up!